No matter how much the maids pleaded or accused, Lu Ruoyun insisted they were harboring resentment and trying to sow discord between her and Madam Yue, thus framing her.
"Your Highness, if you do not believe me, then punish me as you see fit. After all, no matter what, these few were brought to Madam Yue at my suggestion," Lu Ruoyun declared, appearing resigned to any punishment.
Su Qingyue watched Lu Ruoyun with amusement. Her objective had been achieved, and there was no need to add anything further.
The Second Prince hesitated before choosing to believe Lu Ruoyun.
As for the maids, their mouths were gagged, and they were dragged away.
Their fate was sealed: death, and nothing else.
"Madam Yue must have been startled. Your Highness, the household physician's skill is not as refined as that of an imperial physician. Perhaps we should invite an imperial physician to examine her?" Lu Ruoyun suggested.
The Second Prince nodded. "You are right, an imperial physician should be consulted."
"There is a renowned gynecologist in the imperial hospital. Let us invite him," Lu Ruoyun said.
Su Qingyue thanked Lu Ruoyun with feigned gratitude. The Second Prince, witnessing the harmonious interaction between his wife and concubine, wore a look of relief.
"Yunyun, you must pay more attention to Qingyue's affairs from now on," the Second Prince instructed.
"Your Highness, please rest assured. I will do my utmost to care for Madam Yue and her child," Lu Ruoyun replied gently.
Utmost care, to their demise.
The imperial physician arrived shortly. His diagnosis matched that of the household physician, both advising Su Qingyue to avoid emotional distress, as it would harm her health and the baby.
Su Qingyue then inquired if she needed to take any medication to stabilize the pregnancy.
"All medicine has some toxicity. Although Madam has experienced some fetal unrest, it is not severe. A few days of bed rest should suffice," the imperial physician stated.
The household physician had previously suggested taking several doses of stabilizing medication.
Su Qingyue glanced at the household physician, who quickly interjected, "Of course, we must follow the imperial physician's advice. I was merely being cautious, to be absolutely sure."
He had been instructed by Lu Ruoyun beforehand that if there was any opportunity to arrange for Su Qingyue to take tonics, it should be done. Even without this incident of fetal unrest, she would have found a way to claim Su Qingyue was weak and needed nourishment.
Although the household physician felt a pang of guilt, he was not afraid.
His diagnosis was accurate, and the stabilizing medication was the most prudent course of action.
Furthermore, the prescription itself was perfectly fine.
The imperial physician maintained a neutral demeanor. The imperial court was rife with far greater intrigue; the affairs of the Second Prince's mansion were but a minor skirmish in comparison.
The former principal consort did not appear foolish. It was likely that even if he hadn't been present, she would not have taken the stabilizing medication.
The Second Prince questioned the imperial physician further and, upon confirming there was no serious issue, made his decision. Su Qingyue was to rest in bed and not take any stabilizing medication. As for Lu Ruoyun, her role was to attend to Su Qingyue's daily needs, which included fulfilling her material requirements but not interfering with her lifestyle.
To put it bluntly, Lu Ruoyun was to be a mere attendant.
Whatever Su Qingyue needed, Lu Ruoyun had to provide, and if anything was amiss, it would be her responsibility.
Despite his words of trust, the Second Prince harbored lingering doubts.
Seeing Su Qingyue's fatigue, the Second Prince immediately dismissed everyone. He stayed with Su Qingyue for a while, and only after she had fallen asleep did he quietly depart.
Lu Ruoyun returned to her courtyard and flew into a rage, smashing several objects, yet she could not quell the fury in her heart.
"Mama, did you see it? Did you see Su Qingyue's smug expression! This so-called fetal unrest, it's all a fabrication. She deliberately found an excuse to show me who's in charge," Lu Ruoyun said through gritted teeth. "I used to think she was a gentle and virtuous woman, but now I see I was mistaken."